A perfect pond

Steps

Mark out the proposed shape of the pond using a rope, hose pipe or series of wooden pegs (the shape of our pond was largely dictated by an existing brick feature).

Start digging in the middle and work outwards to avoid breaking the edges. Checks should be made with a spirit level to ensure the top edge of the pond is level because if it isn’t, the water level in the filled pond will be uneven across the sides.

Many ponds are built on a slight slope. Give careful thought and attention to this as the amount of liner that might be exposed above the water level may look unsightly.

Check the sides and base of the excavated area for sharp stones or roots and remove them.

Line the excavation with a 5 cm layer of river sand and then line the sides with layers of newspaper which has been wet through by submersing it in water.

Drape the TetraPond@ Pondtex@ liner loosely into the excavated area. Place stones around the liner to hold it in place. Start filling the pond with water and as it fills lift the stones and arrange the liner to minimise creasing.

Position rocks around the pond, and in the pond, if you are incorporating a waterfall into your feature.

Cut off the excess liner and secure it beyond the ‘lip’ of the pond, making sure that it is positioned in such a way that it protects the lip and will prevent runoff from surrounding beds from flowing into the pond during hard rain.

Place the piping that will take water to the pump in position, using the rocks to hide it from sight.